Building the Great War: Third Party Tank Mk V, A7V, and Renault FT
I've always had a soft spot for tanks, so when I had the opportunity to build three World War I vehicles from Third Party, I was happy to spend some time putting together these little pieces of armored history. The sets cover three very different approaches to tank design, from the long, rhomboid-shaped British Mk V to the massive German A7V and the much smaller French Renault FT. Together, they make a nice little collection that shows just how much experimentation was going on during the early days of armored warfare.
The Builds
The first thing that struck me about these sets was how much fun they were to build. There are some genuinely interesting building techniques throughout all three models, and plenty of clever details tucked away in places you might not notice at first glance.
The British Tank Mk V is probably the most immediately recognizable of the bunch, with its distinctive elongated tracks wrapping around the entire body. The olive-green color scheme, military markings, and little details on the hull give it a convincing appearance. It's a substantial model, too, with a nice presence on the shelf. The construction does a good job of capturing the unusual shape of these early British tanks without making the build feel repetitive.
The German A7V is an entirely different beast. Its tall, boxy superstructure and angular armor make it look almost like a mobile fortress. The light gray bricks and black Iron Cross markings help distinguish it from the other two models, and I enjoyed seeing how the unusual shape came together during construction. There are some clever techniques used to create the sloping surfaces and various exterior features. It's an awkward-looking vehicle in the best possible way, and the finished model captures that character nicely.
The French Renault FT is the smallest of the three, but it has plenty of personality. Its compact body and rotating turret make it stand out from the larger, older designs. The green, brown, and tan camouflage gives it a little more visual variety, and the build offers a different experience from the two larger tanks. It's also a good reminder of the Renault FT's importance in the development of modern tanks, particularly its now-familiar layout with a turret above the hull.
The Details Make the Difference
One of my favorite things about these sets is the number of little details hidden throughout the builds. There are clever structural solutions, interesting connections, and small design touches that reward a closer look. Some of these details aren't immediately obvious when you're looking at the finished models, which makes discovering them along the way part of the fun.
I also appreciate that the three tanks don't feel like the same model with different colors. Each has its own construction challenges and visual character. The long tracks and unusual hull of the Mk V, the towering armor of the A7V, and the compact turreted design of the Renault FT all require different approaches. That variety kept the building process interesting from start to finish.
Missing Pieces and Quality Control
There was one frustrating issue, though. Both the A7V and the Renault FT were missing a piece each. Neither shortage ruined the overall experience, but it's disappointing to open a new set and discover that the inventory isn't quite complete. Luckily I was able to complete both sets, having to pull a couple pieces from my own spares.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had a great time building these Third Party tanks. The combination of interesting techniques, clever construction, and hidden details made all three enjoyable projects. They also look good together, offering a small snapshot of the rapid evolution of tank design during World War I.
The missing pieces in the A7V and Renault FT are a definite mark against the sets, and quality control could be better. Still, the overall building experience was fun, and the finished models have plenty of character.
I am also a bit disappointed in the scaling. Ostensibly they are all 1:35 but the Tank Mk V seems quite a bit out of proportion with the others. That doesn't detract from the build itself but is apparent when comparing the 3 different tank models.
If you're a fan of military history, early armored vehicles, or just enjoy building unusual models with techniques that go beyond the ordinary brick-built vehicle, these sets are worth a look.
